Asian Shocker! (11/22)

EL SEGUNDO, CA - Well, #3 C1-Argentina scored four goals in the first 35 minutes, but three were called back (including one goal overturned by VAR) and one that they did score (a Messi PK) was possible because VAR overturned the ref and called for a PK.  Once C2-Saudi Arabia, ranked 53rd in the world, weathered this initial onslaught, they struck with 2 goals in six minutes early in the second half and held on to a 2-1 win.  The game-winner was a golazo strike by Salem Al-Dawsari in the 53' over the GK's outstretched hands in what some call the biggest upset in WC history.

But maybe ARG meant for this to happen so they could finish 2nd in the group and get to play G1-Brazil in the final instead of the semifinals?  I guess USA fans should not be disappointed anymore.  ARG had a 36-match unbeaten streak, had won their last 27 WC matches when leading at the half (1-0 today), and had not lost in their last 40 when scoring first.  Not sure what their record is when they were called offsides TEN (10) times.

ARG was not the only top team to struggle against lesser opponents as #10 D3-Denmark drew nil-nil to #30 D4-Tunisia and #13 C3-Mexico was held to a scoreless draw with #26 C4-Poland.  #38 D2-Australia scored first against #4 D1-France but Les Blues scored the next four (outshooting AUS 22-4) to sit comfortably on top of Group D.  While the MEX-POL draw was a positive for ARG, if ARG loses their next match against MEX, ARG are eliminated.  Same for AUS (lose next match vTUN and they are out).  Interestingly, both teams that scored first, lost.

Wore my 100th anniversary FRA jersey but was working so didn't get to watch the late game anywhere.  But that jersey will make an appearance again.

In the pool, no one picked KSA as this was the only one of 48 group matches where all 109 picked one team.  Luis (1st-Tied, 6 pts) was the one to correctly pick the DEN-TUN tie while 106 picked FRA and28 picked MEX-POL tie.  28 got two correct and Meli (103rd-T, 2) and Eggman2 (103rd-T) went 0-4.  Five are tied for first with 6 points while Markofthebeast got his first win with FRA (was 0-7) to sit in last.